Ben-Ari’s ‘Magic Pen’ to Release Jewish Prisoners

MK Michael Ben-Ari hoped to present President Shimon Peres with a special gift on Thursday: a “magic” pen.

However, Ben-Ari did not see Peres at the annual memorial to slain minister Rehavam Zeevi, where he had planned to give his gift. Instead, he presented the pen to Justice Minister Yaakov Ne'eman, and explained its special properties.

“I see that in recent years, the pen that you all have has signed releases only for terrorist murderers,” Ben-Ari told the minister. “I obtained a special pen for you with which you will be able to sign on the release of Jewish prisoners, in light of the terrorist release deal.”

Ne'eman declined to respond to Ben-Ari’s sarcasm.

Ne'eman has been under increasing pressure to release 12 Jewish prisoners accused of terrorism against Arabs. Those pushing for the release say they do not approve of the prisoners’ actions, but feel their release would be just in light of the recent release of many hundreds of Arab terrorist murderers in exchange for Gilad Shalit.